A hard lump on my calf is it folliculitis?

Recently, I heard that some friends felt hard lumps on their calves and were very uncomfortable. What kind of condition is this? It could be a symptom of folliculitis. When it comes to folliculitis, many friends may not be very clear about what kind of disease it is. This time let us briefly introduce to you the true nature of this disease.

Causes

The pathogens are mainly Staphylococci, and Staphylococcus epidermidis can sometimes be isolated. Uncleanliness, scratching and low body resistance may be the causes of this disease.

Clinical manifestations

It initially appears as a red, solid papule consistent with the opening of the hair follicle, or it starts with follicular impetigo, and then rapidly develops into a papule-pustule, with the hair running through the middle and redness and inflammation all around, followed by drying and scabbing. It heals after about a week of scab falling off, but there are also cases of recurrence and no healing for many years. Some may also develop into deep infection, forming furuncles, carbuncles, etc., which generally do not leave scars. The number of rashes is large, isolated and scattered, and the patient feels mild pain. In adults, it mainly occurs in hairy areas, and in children, it is more common on the head. The rashes can sometimes merge with each other, and small bald spots may remain after healing.

treat

Antibiotics can be used as appropriate. 1% neomycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid ointment or 2% iodine tincture can be applied topically. Ultraviolet radiation can also be tried. For patients with recurrent attacks, autologous vaccine or polyvalent staphylococcal vaccine can be tried.

Folliculitis often occurs in the hairy areas of adults; in children, it often occurs in the hair areas, and small patches of baldness may remain after healing. Patients should avoid physical stimulation and pay attention to eating less alcohol and sour, spicy and other irritating foods. Those with recurrent attacks should eat less greasy food, eat more vegetables and fruits, increase vitamins, and keep bowel movements smooth. At the same time, pay attention to personal hygiene, strengthen physical exercise, and enhance disease resistance.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, folliculitis is caused by internal accumulation of dampness and heat, which is absorbed by external heat and toxicity, and is accumulated in the skin; or it can be caused by a weak body and loose pores, which is absorbed by external heat evil. Common clinical syndromes include: 1. Damp-heat type: Symptoms include scattered red papules on the buttocks or limbs, swelling and pain, short and dark urine, constipation, thin yellow tongue coating, and a wiry pulse. 2. Yin deficiency type: Symptoms include weakness, pale complexion, pale or red tongue, and deep and thin pulse.

Optional Western medicine 1. Local treatment: After cutting off the hair, use the following drugs: (1) 2.5% iodine tincture. (2) 1% neomycin ointment.

(3) Bactroban ointment. 2. Systemic treatment: For multiple cases, sulfonamides or antibiotics can be used as appropriate, and oral multivitamins can be taken.

Optional Chinese patent medicines 1. Plaster for boils. 2. Lianqiao Baidu Pills. 3. Qingxue Jiedu Pills. 4. Wanshengsan: For external use, mix with pepper oil or edible vegetable oil and apply or sprinkle on the affected area. 5. Detoxifying ointment. 6. Small anti-toxic ointment.

Here we not only introduce folliculitis, but also provide methods to treat it, so that when dealing with related situations, everyone will not blindly move forward and panic. In fact, having this disease is not that scary. As long as we control our daily life and diet according to relevant instructions, then there will be no big problem.